By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. (1 John 3:16)
I looked outside this morning to survey the damage. We had a significant snowstorm, and the plow came through during the night, creating a wall of snow in front of my driveway that I had to clear before I could go anywhere. I grabbed my 12-year-old son and a couple of shovels and set out to take care of business. After a few moments of shoveling, I was surprised to see a neighbor I had never met approach my driveway with his snowblower and begin plowing through the snow with a big smile!
I waved at him over the roar of his engine and went inside briefly to inform my wife, with wonder in my voice, that our neighbor was clearing the snow from our driveway. I went back outside to talk with this man, and he momentarily turned off his blower to speak with me. I learned that his name was Tyrone and he lived just a few houses down the street. I profusely thanked him for his kindness and said, “God bless you.” He replied with a large grin, “he already has!” Ty informed me that a close friend of his died 4 years ago while shoveling snow, and he had a heart for helping others in the neighborhood with the arduous task of snow removal. I thanked him again as he started up the engine, and as I walked away, I was struck by this thought.
I also have a friend who died years ago, and he is my motivation to serve and bless others as well.
In that moment, I was reminded of the self-giving sacrifice of the Son of God for my sin. He came not be served but to serve others and to give his life for me (Mark 10:45). He showed his great love for me in that even while I was still sinning, He died for me (Rom 5:8). I remembered that his sacrificial love is the impetus and inspiration for living a life that emphasizes serving others. Because he laid down his life for me, I ought to lay my life down for others. Freshly aware of God’s grace, I thanked Him for my neighbor and found a renewed resolve to discover ways to bless those God has placed in my proximity.
I was unsurprised but happy to learn that Tyrone is a believer who attends a church near the one I serve. I’m grateful that I didn’t break my back digging out my driveway, but I’m even more grateful that I have a new friend who reminded me of the loving sacrifice of the Savior. May each one of us renew our zeal to be a blessing to others in light of how greatly we have been blessed in Christ!